Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
26-7,16-2MAC
#6 Toledo (MAC Tournament Semifinals)
17-14,9-9MAC
Ball State’s Tournament Run Ends in Hard-Fought Semifinal Loss to Toledo
March 13, 2026 | Women's Basketball
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The No. 2 seed Ball State women's basketball team (26-7) was eliminated from the 2026 Mid-American Conference Tournament on Friday afternoon, falling 69-65 to No. 6 seed Toledo at Rocket Arena. Despite a career-high performance from senior Bree Salenbien, the Cardinals were unable to overcome a late surge by the Rockets.
Both teams started slow, remaining tied 4-4 midway through the first quarter. Ball State's defense kept Toledo in check until the Cardinals ignited a 13-2 run, fueled by Salenbien's three-pointers and an Aniss Tagayi layup, to take a 17-6 lead. They ended the period ahead 19-10.
Toledo fought back in the second, cutting the deficit to six before Salenbien hit another long-range shot to restore a 10-point cushion. However, the Rockets responded with an 11-0 surge to snatch a 30-29 lead heading into halftime.
Toledo tipped off the third quarter with a 12-6 run, building its biggest lead of the game at 42-35 with 5:27 remaining. Ball State's interior presence took a hit when Tessa Towers and Tagayi were sidelined by foul trouble, but the Cardinals stayed patient, leaning on Alba Caballero to capitalize on her size inside. While Salenbien caught fire and seemed nearly unstoppable, the Rockets managed to hold onto a slim 52-49 lead. However, momentum shifted toward BSU late in the frame as Karsyn Norman drained a three-pointer to close the gap heading into the fourth.
The Rockets narrowly outscored Ball State 17-16 in the final frame as foul trouble hindered the Cardinals along with some missed scoring opportunities that ultimately led to Toledo advancing to tomorrow's tournament title game against Miami.
Despite the semifinal exit, the Cardinals' season likely continues as they shift their focus to the postseason selection process. With a share of the MAC regular-season title and 26 wins, Ball State has built a strong resume for an at-large bid to the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). The program will officially learn its postseason destination and opponent during the selection show this Sunday, March 16.
